Apparatus and associated methodology for automatically selecting content using stored criteria

ABSTRACT

In an information processor which records many contents or has many contents already recorded therein, and can generate an arbitrary combination of the contents, a weight is computed for each of the contents based on either data stored in a history data file ( 184 ) or data stored in a display data file ( 182 ) and data stored in a filtering data file ( 181 ), and a content is selected from the contents stored in a content file ( 161 ) based on the weight. The selected content is related with a package corresponding to the data stored in the filtering data file ( 181 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/955,235 filed Nov. 29, 2010, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/054,228filed Feb. 9, 2005, the entire contents of both of which areincorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/054,228 is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/889,023 filed Jan. 10, 2002, which is a National Phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/JP00/07967 filed Nov. 10, 2000 andclaims priority to JP 11-323021 filed Nov. 12, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus andmethod, in which predetermined contents are handled, and a programstorage medium having stored therein an information processing programfor use in the information processing apparatus and method to effectsuch an information processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

To record contents such as many musical data or select and play back adesired content from any recorded contents, an information processorsuch as a personal computer is used. The information processor of thistype includes a speaker and other decoding function for playback of amusical content.

When handling many contents, the personal computer requests the user toregister a combination of desired contents. When the desired contentsare registered, the personal computer permit to display or play back acontent based on the registered content combination.

However, if the personal computer has recorded a great number ofcontents, it will be very troublesome for the user to register acombination of desired contents. Also, even if the personal computer hasrecorded many contents, when the user registers a combination ofcontents, he or she is apt to select same contents as having ever beenselected and thus it is very difficult to combine many contents toprovide various content combinations.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has an object to overcome theabove-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional information processingapparatus such as a personal computer by providing improved and novelinformation processing apparatus and method, capable of easilyarbitrarily combining many contents to provide various combination ofthe contents, and a program storage medium having stored therein aprogram for use in the information processing apparatus and method toeffect such an information processing.

The above object can be attained by providing an information processorincluding, according to the present invention, a recording unit whichrecords either first information indicative of a history of contentusage or second information about contents, and third informationintended for computation of a weight corresponding to a content, acomputation unit which computes a weight of each content based on eitherthe first or second information and the third information, a selectionmechanism which selects a content based on the weight computed by thecomputation unit, and means for relating a content selected by theselection mechanism with a combination of contents corresponding to thethird information.

Also the above object can be attained by providing an informationprocessing method including, according to the present invention, stepsof computing a weight of each content based on either recorded first orsecond information and third information, selecting a content based onthe weight computed at the computing step, relating the content selectedat the selecting step with a combination of contents corresponding tothe third information.

Also the above object can be attained by providing a program storagemedium having stored therein a program including, according to thepresent invention, steps of computing a weight of each content based oneither recorded first or second information and third information,selecting a content based on the weight computed at the computing step,and relating the content selected at the selecting step with acombination of contents corresponding to the third information.

These objects and other objects, features and advantages of the presentintention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the best modes for carrying out the present inventionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the music datamanagement system incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the architecture of a personal computer used in the musicdata management system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of an EMD registration server used in themusic data management system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the personal computer, showing thefunctions of the personal computer;

FIG. 5 shows an example of the content usage rule;

FIG. 6 shows an example of the relation between original package displaydata belonging to a display data file, and content files;

FIGS. 7A to 7C shows an example of the composition of the display datafile;

FIG. 8 shows an example of the relation between My Select packagedisplay data and content files;

FIG. 9 shows a relation between filtering package display data andcontent files;

FIG. 10 explains the operations made for EMD registration;

FIG. 11 shows an example of the display for execution of theregistration;

FIG. 12 shows an example of the display made by the EMD selectionprogram;

FIG. 13 shows an example of the display made by the purchase applicationprogram;

FIG. 14 shows an example of the display made by the purchase driver;

FIG. 15 shows an example of the display/operation instruction window;

FIG. 16 explains a window the recording program has the display unit;

FIG. 17 shows a property dialog box where it is set which of the WWWservers is to be selected;

FIG. 18 shows a property dialog box where it is set which of the WWWservers is to be selected;

FIG. 19 explains a window the recording program has the display unit;

FIG. 20 explains a window the recording program has the display unit;

FIG. 21 explains a dialog box the recording program has the displayunit;

FIG. 22 explains a dialog box the recording program has the displayunit;

FIG. 23 explains a dialog box the recording program has the displayunit;

FIG. 24 explains a dialog box the recording program has the displayunit;

FIG. 25 explains a dialog box the recording program has the displayunit;

FIG. 26 explains a dialog box the recording program has the displayunit;

FIG. 27 shows an example of the display/operation instruction window;

FIG. 28 shows another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 29 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 30 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 31 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 32 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 33 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 34 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 35 explains the generation of filtering package;

FIG. 36 shows an example of the display/operation instruction window;

FIG. 37 shows another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 38 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 39 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 40 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 41 shows still another example of the display/operation instructionwindow;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart of the operations effected for registration;

FIG. 43 is a flow chart of the operations effected for recording from aCD;

FIG. 44 is a flow chart of the operations effected for acquisition ofinformation corresponding to CD;

FIG. 45 is a flow chart of the operations effected for generation offiltering package;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart of the operations effected for checkout orcheck-in;

FIG. 47 is a flow chart of the operations effected for image pasting;and

FIG. 48 is a flow chart of the operations effected for image display.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, an information processing apparatus and method and aprogram storage medium according to the present invention will bedescribed in detail.

In the following description, embodiments in which the present inventionis applied to a music data management system will be exemplified.Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of the musicdata management system according to the present invention. As shown, thesystem includes a personal computer 1 connected to a network 2 composedof a local area network (LAN), Internet or the like. The personalcomputer 1 receives music data (will be referred to as “content”hereinafter) from EMD (electrical music distribution) servers 4-1 to 4-3or those read from a CD (compact disc) which will further be describedlater, converts the music data to a one compressed by a predeterminedmethod (e.g., ATRAC3 (trade mark)), encrypts the data by a method suchas DES (Data Encryption Standard), and then records the data.

Correspondingly to the above content recorded as encrypted, the personalcomputer 1 records a usage rule under which the content should be used.The usage rule data concerns for example simultaneous use of thecontents corresponding to the usage rule at three portable devices (alsocalled “PD”) 6-1 to 6-3, copy to the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3, moveto another personal computer, etc. The usage rule data will further bedescribed later.

The personal computer 1 stores the content recorded therein as encryptedinto the portable device 6-1 connected thereto, and updates the usagerule data for the content having thus been stored into the portabledevice 6-1 (which will be referred to as “checkout” hereinafter). Also,the personal computer 1 stores the content recorded therein as encryptedas well as data related to the content into the portable device 6-2connected thereto, and updates the usage rule data for the contenthaving thus been stored into the portable device 6-2. Further, thepersonal computer 1 stores the content recorded therein as encrypted aswell as data related to the content into the portable device 6-3connected thereto, and updates the usage rule data for the contenthaving been thus stored into the portable device 6-3.

Moreover, the personal computer 1 has the portable device 6-1 connectedthereto erase the content stored in the latter, and updates the usagerule data for the content having thus been erased (which will bereferred to as “check-in” hereinafter). Also, the personal computer 1has the portable device 6-2 connected thereto erase the content storedin the latter, and updates the usage rule data for the content havingthus been erased. Further, the personal computer 1 has the portabledevice 6-3 connected thereto erase the content stored in the latter, andupdates the usage rule data for the content having thus been erased.

As shown, the music data management system includes an EMD (electricalmusic distribution) registration server 3. Upon reception of a requestcontent distribution from the personal computer 1 starting acquisitionof a content from the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3, the EMD registrationserver 3 sends to the personal computer 1 via the network 2 anauthenticate key necessary for mutual authentication between thepersonal computer 1 and EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3, and also a programrequired for connection to the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3.

Correspondingly to the request from the personal computer 1, the EMDserver 4-1 supplies a content to the personal computer 1 via the network2. Also the EMD server 4-2 supplies a content to the personal computer 1via the network 2 correspondingly to that request. Further the EMDserver 4-3 supplies a content as well as data related to the content tothe personal computer 1 via the network 2 correspondingly to the requestfrom the personal computer 1.

The content supplied from the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 have beencompressed by the same method or different methods, and also encryptedby the same method or different methods.

As shown, the music data management system further includes WWW(worldwide web) servers 5-1 and 5-2. Correspondingly to the request fromthe personal computer 1, the WWW server 5-1 supplies to the personalcomputer 1 via the network 2 data on a CD from which a content has beenread (e.g., name of album recorded in the CD, distributor or supplier ofthe CD and the like) and data (e.g., music title (or content name),composer's name (or artist name) and the like) corresponding to thecontent having been read from the CD. Also correspondingly to therequest from the personal computer 1, the WWW server 5-2 supplies to thepersonal computer 1 via the network 2 data on a CD from which a contenthave been read and data corresponding to the content having been readfrom the CD.

The portable device 6-1 stores the content supplied from the personalcomputer 1 (namely, “checked-out content”). The portable device 6-1plays back the stored content and output them to a headphone or the like(not shown). The user can disconnect from the personal computer 1 theportable device 6-1 having the content stored therein, carry it with himor her, and play back the stored content. Thus the user can listen tomusic pieces or the like corresponding to the content using anelectrical acoustic converter such as a headphone or the like.

Also, the portable device 6-2 stores the content supplied from thepersonal computer 1 as well as data related to the content. The portabledevice 6-2 plays back the stored content and output them to a headphoneor the like (not shown). The user can disconnect from the personalcomputer 1 the portable device 6-2 having the content stored therein,carry it with him, and play back the stored content. Thus the user canlisten to music pieces or the like corresponding to the content using aheadphone or the like.

Also, the portable device 6-3 stores the content supplied from thepersonal computer 1 as well as data related to the content. The portabledevice 6-3 plays back the stored content and output them to a headphoneor the like (not shown). The user can disconnect from the personalcomputer 1 the portable device 6-3 having the content stored therein,carry it with him, and play back the stored content. Thus the user canlisten to music pieces or the like corresponding to the content using aheadphone or the like.

The personal computer 1 used on the music data management system shownin FIG. 1 has a structure shown in FIG. 2, and a CPU (central processingunit) 11 comprised in the personal computer 1 actually executes avariety of application programs (will be detailed later) and OS(operating system). Also, the personal computer 1 includes a ROM(read-only memory) 12 and a RAM (random-access memory) 13. Generally,the ROM 12 stores programs used by the CPU 11 and basically fixed dataof arithmetic parameters. The RAM 13 stores programs executed by the CPU11 and parameters which will appropriately vary during the execution ofthe programs. These components are connected to each other via a hostbus 14 composed of a CPU bus, etc. The host bus 14 is connected to anexternal bus 16 such as a PCI (peripheral componentinterconnect/interface) via a bridge 15.

The personal computer 1 is provided also with a keyboard 18, mouse 19,display unit 20 and an HDD 21. The keyboard 18 is operated by the userto input a variety of commands to the CPU 11. The mouse 19 is alsooperated by the user for pointing and selection on the screen of thedisplay unit 20. The display 20 is an LCD (liquid crystal display) unitor a CRT (cathode ray tube) display unit to display a variety ofinformation as a text or image. The HDD (hard disc drive) 21 drives ahard disc or hard discs to write or read a program executed by the CPU11 and information to or from the hard disc.

Further the personal computer 1 is provided with a drive 22 to read dataor program recorded in a magnetic disc 41, optical disc 42 (includingCD), magneto-optical disc 43 or semiconductor memory 44 set in the drive22, and supply it to the RAM 13 connected via an interface 17, externalbridge 16, bridge 15 and host bus 14 to the drive 22.

Moreover the personal computer 1 is provided with USB (universal serialbus) ports 23-1 to 23-3, The portable device 6-1 is connected to the USBport 23-1 via a predetermined cable. The USB port 23-1 delivers to theportable device 6-1 the data (e.g., content or command to the portabledevice 6-1) supplied from the HDD 21, CPU 11 or RAM 13 via the interface17, external bus 16, bridge 15 or host bus 14.

To the USB port 23-2, there is the portable device 6-2 via apredetermined cable. The USB port 23-2 delivers to the portable device6-2 the data (e.g., content or command to the portable device 6-2)supplied from the HDD 21, CPU 11 or RAM 13 via the interface 17,external bus 16, bridge 15 or host bus 14.

The USB port 23-3 has the portable device 6-3 connected thereto via apredetermined cable. The USB port 23-3 delivers to the portable device6-3 the data (e.g., content or command to the portable device 6-3)supplied from the HDD 21, CPU 11 or RAM 13 via the interface 17,external bus 16, bridge 15 or host bus 14.

The personal computer 1 is further provided with a speaker 24 whichoutputs a predetermined sound corresponding to a content based on dataor sound signal supplied from the interface 17.

As shown, the above components from the keyboard 18 to speaker 24 areconnected to the interface 17 which is connected to the CPU 11 via theexternal bus 16, bridge 15 and host bus 14.

Further the personal computer 1 is provided with a communications unit25 to which the network 2 is connected. The communications unit 25stores in the form of a predetermined packet data supplied from the CPU11 or HDD 21 (e.g., request for registration, request for sending of acontent or the like), and sends the data via the network 2, and outputsdata stored in the received packet (e.g., authenticate key, content orthe like) to the CPU 11, RAM 13 or HDD 21 via the network 2.

The communications unit 25 is connected to the CPU 11 via the externalbus 16, bridge 15 and hist bus 14.

The EMD registration server 3 comprised in the music data managementsystem to which the present invention has been applied has theconfiguration shown in FIG. 3. As shown, the EMD registration server 3includes a CPU 61, ROM 62 and a RAM 63. The CPU 61 actually executes avariety of application programs and OS. Generally, the ROM 62 storesprograms used by the CPU 61 and basically fixed data of arithmeticparameters. The RAM 63 stores programs executed by the CPU 61 andparameters which will appropriately vary during the execution of theprograms. These components are connected to each other via a host bus 64composed of a CPU bus, etc. The host bus 64 is connected to an externalbus 66 such as a PCI bus via a bridge 65.

The EMD registration server 3 is provided also with a keyboard 68, mouse69, display unit 70 and an HDD 71. The keyboard 68 is operated by theuser to input a variety of commands to the CPU 61. The mouse 69 is alsooperated by the user for pointing and selection on the screen of thedisplay unit 70. The display 70 is an LCD unit or a CRT display unit todisplay a variety of information as a text or image. The HDD 71 drives ahard disc or hard discs to write or read a program executed by the CPU61 and information to or from the hard disc.

Further the EMD registration server 3 is provided with a drive 72 toread data or program recorded in a magnetic disc 91, optical disc 92,magneto-optical disc 93 or semiconductor memory 94 set in the drive 72,and supply it to the RAM 63 connected via an interface 67, external bus66, bridge 65 and host bus 64 to the drive 72.

As shown, the above components from the keyboard 68 to drive 72 areconnected to the interface 67 which is connected to the CPU 61 via theexternal bus 66, bridge 65 and host bus 64.

Further the EMD registration server 3 is provided with a communicationsunit 73 to which the network 2 is connected. The communications unit 73outputs data stored in the received packet to the CPU 61, RAM 63 or HDD71 (e.g., data required for registration which will further be describedlater, predetermined program ID (identifier) or the like), and storesdata supplied from the CPU 61 or HDD 71 (e.g., a predetermined number ofauthenticate keys, program or the like) in the form of a predeterminedpacket for sending via the network 2. The communications unit 73 isconnected to the CPU 61 via the external bus 66, bridge 65 and hist bus64.

The EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 and WWW servers 5-1 and 5-2 are constructedsimilarly to the EMD registration server 3. Therefore, they will not bedescribed any further.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, functions the personal computer 1 can performby executing predetermined programs will be described herebelow:

FIG. 4 is a block diagram the functions of the personal computer 1,which can be performed by CPU 11 executing predetermined programs.

The CPU 11 executes a content management program 111 composed of aplurality of programs including an EMD selection program 131,check-in/checkout management program 132, encryption method conversionprogram 133, compression method conversion program 134, encryptionprogram 135, usage rule conversion program 136, signature managementprogram 137, authentication program 138, decryption program 139, PDdriver 140, and purchase drivers 141 and 142.

The content management program 111 is stated with shuffled instructions,encrypted instructions or the like for example to conceal what are to bedone under such instructions. Namely, it is difficult to know what is tobe effected according to the content management program 111. Forexample, even if the content management program 111 is read directly bythe user, no instructions included in the program 111 will not beidentifiable.

When the content management program 111 is installed in the personalcomputer 1, the EMD selection program 131 will not be included in thecontent management program 111 but will be received from the EMDregistration server 3 via the network 2 during EMD registration whichwill further be described later. The EMD selection program 131 is toselect connection with any of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 and have apurchase application program 115 or the purchase driver 141 or 142communicate with any of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 (for example,downloading of a content to be purchased or the like).

The check-in/checkout management program 132 is to set either check-inor checkout, and check out contents stored in content files 161-1 to161-N to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 based on usage rulefiles 162-1 to 162-N recorded in a content data base 114 or check incontents stored in the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

Correspondingly to either the check-in or checkout set as in the above,the check-in/checkout management program 132 updates usage rule datastored in the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in the contentdata base 114.

The encryption method conversion program 133 is to convert an encryptionmethod having been used to encrypt a content the purchase applicationprogram 115 has received from the EMD server 4-1 via the network 2, aone having been used to encrypt a content the purchase driver 141 hasreceived from the EMD server 4-2 via the network 2 or a one having beenused to encrypt a content the purchase driver 142 has received from theEMD server 4-3 via the network 2, to the same encryption method as thathaving been used to encrypt contents stored in the content files 161-1to 161-N the content data base 114 have recorded therein.

Also, when checking out a content to the portable device 6-1 or 6-3, theencryption method conversion program 133 is used to convert anencryption method by which a content to be checked out to a one theportable device 6-1 or 6-3 can use.

The compression method conversion program 134 is to convert acompression method having been used to compress a content the purchaseapplication program 115 has received from the EMD server 4-1 via thenetwork 2, a one having been used to compress a content the purchasedriver 141 has received from the EMD server 4-2 via the network 2 or aone having been used to compress a content the purchase driver 142 hasreceived from the EMD server 4-3 via the network 2, to the samecompression method as that having been used to compress contents storedin the content files 161-1 to 161-N the content data base 114 havingrecorded therein.

Also, when checking out a content to the portable device 6-1 or 6-3, thecompression method conversion program 134 is used to convert thecompression method having been used to compress the content to bechecked out to a one the portable device 6-1 or 6-3 can use.

The encryption program 135 is to encrypt a content having been read froma CD for example and supplied from a recording program 113 (not yetencrypted) by the encryption method having been used to encrypt contentsstored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content database 114.

The usage rule conversion program 136 is to convert the usage rule datafor content the purchase application program 115, purchase driver 141 orpurchase driver 142 has received from the EMD server 4-1, 4-2 or 4-2,respectively, via the network 2, to the same format as that of the usagerule data stored in the usage rule files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in thecontent data base 114.

Also, when checking out a content to the portable device 6-1 or 6-3, theusage rule conversion program 136 converts the usage rule for thecontent to be checked out to a usage rule data the portable device 6-1or 6-3 can use.

The signature management program 137 is to find, before check-in orcheckout of a content, any falsification of the usage rule based on asignature (will further be described later) included in the usage ruledata stored in the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in thecontent data base 114, and updates the signature included in the usagerule data correspondingly to an update of the usage rule data stored inthe usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N recorded in the content data base114, the update having occurred after the check-in or checkout of thecontent.

The authentication program 138 is to provide a mutual authenticationbetween the content management program 111 and purchase applicationprogram 115, and a mutual authentication between the content managementprogram 111 and purchase driver 141. Also, the authentication program138 stores authenticate keys for use in a mutual authentication betweenthe EMD server 4-1 and purchase application program 115, a mutualauthentication between the EMD server 4-1 and purchase driver 141, and amutual authentication between the EMD server 4-3 and purchase driver142.

The authenticate key used by authentication program 138 for the mutualauthentication has not yet been stored in the authentication program 138when the content management program 111 is installed in the personalcomputer 1 but it will be supplied from the EMD registration server 3and stored in the authentication program 138 when a registration hassuccessfully been done by a display/operation instruction program 112.

When the personal computer 1 reproduces contents stored in the contentfiles 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content data base 114, thedecryption program 139 is to decrypt the content.

When checking out a predetermined content to the portable device 6-2 orchecking in a predetermined content from the portable device 6-2, the PDdriver 140 is to supply the portable device 6-2 with the content or acommand to have the portable device 6-2 execute a predeterminedoperation. When checking out a predetermined content to the portabledevice 6-1 or checking in a predetermined content from the portabledevice 6-1, the PD driver 140 is to supply a device driver 116-1 withthe content or a command to have the device driver 116-1 execute apredetermined operation. When checking out a predetermined content tothe portable device 6-3 or checking in a predetermined content from theportable device 6-3, the PD driver 140 is to supply a device driver116-2 with the content or a command to have the device driver 116-2execute a predetermined operation.

The purchase driver 141 is a so-called plug-in program. It is installedalong with the content management program 111, and supplied from the EMDregistration server 3 via the network 2 or as recorded in apredetermined CD. Installed in the personal computer 1, the purchasedriver 141 is to send and receive data to and from the contentmanagement program 111 via an interface of a predetermined type thecontent management program 111 has. The purchase driver 141 sends to theEMD server 4-2 via the network 2 a request for sending a predeterminedcontent, and receives the content from the EMD server 4-2. Also, thepurchase driver 141 makes an accounting when receiving a content fromthe EMD server 4-2.

The purchase driver 142 is a program which is to be installed along withthe content management program 111. It is to send to the EMD server 4-3via the network 2 a request for sending a predetermined content, andreceives the content from the EMD server 4-3. Also, the purchase driver142 makes an accounting when receiving a content from the EMD server4-3.

The display/operation instruction program 112 is to have the displayunit 20 display a predetermined window image based on a filtering datafile 181, display data file 182, image files 183-1 to 183-K or historydata file 184, and instruct the content management program 111 by meansof the keyboard 18 or mouse 19 to check in or out a content.

The filtering data file 181 has stored therein data for weighting eachof contents stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in thecontent data base 114, and it is recorded in the HDD 21.

The display data file 182 has stored therein data corresponding tocontents stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in thecontent data base 114, and it is recorded in the HDD 21.

The image files 183-1 to 183-K have stored therein images correspondingto the content files 161-1 to 161-N recorded in the content data base114 or images corresponding to packages which will further be describedlater, and they are recorded in the HDD 21.

In the following, the image files 183-1 to 183-K will be referred tosimply as “image file 183” where it is not necessary to identify themindividually.

The history data file 184 has stored therein history data includingnumbers of times contents stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-Nrecorded in the content data base 114 have been checked out, numbers oftimes the contents stored in the content files 161-1 to 161-N have beenchecked in, dates of the check-in and checkout, etc., and it is recordedin the HDD 21.

For the registration, the display/operation instruction program 112 isto send a previously stored ID of the content management program 111 tothe EMD registration server 3 via the network 2 while receiving anauthenticate key and EMD selection program 131 from the EMD registrationserver 3, and supplies the content management program 111 with theauthenticate key and EMD selection program 131.

The recording program 113 is to read out data such as a data recordingtime, etc. from a CD which is the optical disc 42 set in the drive 22based on an operation made to the keyboard 18 or mouse 19, whiledisplaying a predetermined window image.

The recording program 113 requests, via the network 2, for sending tothe WWW server 5-1 or 5-2 of data corresponding to a CD (e.g., albumname, artist name and the like) or data corresponding to contentsrecorded in the CD (e.g., content names and the like) based on thecontent recording time recorded in the CD while receiving, from the WWWserver 5-1 or 5-2 data corresponding to a CD or data corresponding tocontents recorded in the CD.

The recording program 113 is to supply received data corresponding to aCD or data corresponding to contents recorded in the CD to thedisplay/operation instruction program 112.

When supplied with a recording instruction, the recording program 113reads out contents from a CD being the optical disc 42 set in the drive22 and outputs it to the content management program 111.

The content data base 114 stores in any of the content files 161-1 to161-N contents supplied from the content management program 111,compressed by a predetermined method and encrypted by a predeterminedmethod (namely, they are recorded in the HDD 21). The content data base114 stores in any of the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N correspondingto the content files 161-1 to 161-N, respectively, having contentsstored therein usage rule data corresponding to the contents stored inthe content files 161-1 to 161-N, respectively (namely, they arerecorded in the HDD 21).

The content data base 114 may have stored therein the content files161-1 to 161-N or usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N as records. Forexample, usage rule data corresponding to a content stored in thecontent file 161-1 is stored in the usage rule file 162-1. Also, usagerule data corresponding to a content stored in the content file 161-N isstored in the usage file 162-N.

In the following, the content files 161-1 to 161-N will be referred tosimply as “content file 161” where it is not necessary to identify themindividually. Also, in the following, the usage rule files 162-1 to162-N will be referred to simply as “usage rule file 162” where it isnot necessary to identify them individually.

As the other personal computer 1-2 has a similar structure to that ofthe personal computer 1-1, the explanation is omitted.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an example of usage rule datastored in the usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N. For the item “ContentID”, there is set data to identify a content stored in each of thecontent files 161-1 to 161-N. For the item “checkout Possible?”, thereis set either “YES” or “NO”. When “YES” is set for this item, thecontent management program 111 can check out a content identified withthe “Content ID” to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3; When “NO” isset for the item “Checkout Possible?”, the content management program111 will not check out the content identified with the “Content ID” toany of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

For the item “No. of Possible Checkouts”, there is set a number of timesthe content management program 111 can effect content checkout. When thecontent management program 111 checks out a content once, the number forthe item “No. of Possible Checkouts” is decremented correspondingly.When the content management program 111 checks in a content once, thenumber for the item “No. of Possible Checkouts” is incrementedcorrespondingly.

When the number for the item “No. of Possible Checkouts” changes from“1” to “0” as the result of the checkouts done by the content managementprogram 111, there will be set “NO” for the item “Checkout Possible?”.When the number for the item “No. of Possible Checkouts” changes from“0” to “1” as the result of the check-in's done by the contentmanagement program 111, there will be set “YES” for the item “CheckoutPossible?”.

In the item “Move Possible?”, there is set either “YES” or “NO”. When“YES” is set for this item, the content management program 111 can movea content identified with the “Content ID”. When “NO” is set for theitem “Move Possible”, the content management program 111 will not movethe content identified with the “Content ID”.

In the item “Copy Possible?”, there is set either “YES” or “NO”. When“YES” is set for this item, the content management program 111 can copya content identified with the “Content ID”. When “NO” is set for thisitem, the content management program 111 will not copy the contentidentified with the “Content ID”.

In the item “Number of Possible Copies”, there is set a number of timesthe content management program 111 can effect content copy.

In the item “Usage Period”, there is stated a period for which a contentidentified with the “Content ID” can be used (checkout or playback).

In the item “Content-Usable District”, there is stated a district (e.g.,Japan or Worldwide) where a content identified with the “Content ID” canbe used (checkout or playback).

In the item “Signature”, there is stored data (will be referred to as“signature data” hereinafter) the signature management program 137generates based on data set in the items “Content ID” to “Content-UsableDistrict”. The signature data is used for detection of any falsificationof usage rule data. The algorithm used by the signature managementprogram 137 for generation of signature data is a unidirectionalfunction. Since it is not disclosed to the public, it is difficult forany other than the supplier of the content management program 111 togenerate a correct signature data based on data set in the items“Content ID” to “Content-Usable District”.

The purchase application program 115 is supplied from the EMDregistration server 3 via the network 2 or as recorded in apredetermined CD. The purchase application program 115 is to request theEMD server 4-1 for sending a predetermined content, receives the contentfrom the EMD server 4-1 and supplies it to the content managementprogram 111. Also, the purchase management program 115 makes anaccounting when receiving the content from the EMD server 4-1.

Next, correspondence between data stored in the display data file 82 andthe content files 161-1 to 161-N stored in the content data base will bedescribed:

A content stored in any of the content files 161-1 to 161-N belongs to apredetermined package. In detail, the package is an original package, Myselect package or a filtering package.

More than one content belong to the original package. The originalpackage corresponds to the content classification in the EMD servers 4-1to 4-3 (e.g., so-called album) or to a single CD. The contents belong toany original package and cannot belong to a plurality of originalpackages. The original package to which the contents belong cannot bemodified. The user can edit (addition of information or modification ofadded information) a part of information corresponding to the originalpackage.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an example of the relationbetween the original package display data 201 included in a display datafile 182 and content files 161-1 to 161-N. The relation defines therelation between an original package and contents. The original packagedisplay data 201 includes package display data 221-1 to 221-M. Thepackage display data 211-1 is related with the content display data221-1-1 to 221-1-i. The content display data 221-1-1 corresponds to acontent stored in the content file 161-1. Usage rule data for a contentstored in the content file 161-1 is stored in the usage rule 162-1.

The content display data 221-1-2 corresponds to a content stored in thecontent file 161-2. Usage rule data for a content stored in the contentfile 161-2 is stored in the usage rule 162-2. The content display data221-1-i corresponds to a content stored in the content file 161-q. Usagerule data for a content stored in the content file 161-q is stored inthe usage rule 162-q.

The package display data 211-2 are related with the content display data221-2-1 to 221-2-j.

The content display data 221-2-1 corresponds to a content stored in thecontent file 161-(q+1). Usage rule data for a content stored in thecontent file 161-(q+1) is stored in the usage rule 162-(q+1).

The content display data 221-2-2 corresponds to a content stored in thecontent file 161-(q+2). Usage rule data for a content stored in thecontent file 161-(q+2) is stored in the usage rule 162-(q+2).

The content display data 221-2-j corresponds to a content stored in thecontent file 161-r. Usage rule data for a content stored in the contentfile 161-r is stored in the usage rule 162-r.

Similarly, the package display data 211-M are related with the contentdisplay data 221-M-1 to 221-M-p. The content display data 221-M-pcorresponds to a content stored in the content file 161-N. Usage ruledata for a content stored in the content file 161-N is stored in theusage rule 162-N.

In the following, the package display data 211-1 to 211-M will bereferred to simply as “package display data 211” where it is notnecessary to identify them individually. Also, the content display data221-1-1 to 221-M-p will be referred to simply as “content display data221” where it is not necessary to identify them individually. Also, thecontent display data 161-1 to 161-N will be referred to simply as“content display data 161” where it is not necessary to identify themindividually. The usage rule files 162-1 to 162-N will be referred tosimple as “usage rule file 162” where it is not necessary to identifythem individually.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A to 7C, there is shown an example of thecomposition of the display data file 182. FIG. 7A shows an example ofthe package display data 211. The package display data 211 includespackage ID data for identification of a package, package type data foridentification of either My Select package or filtering package, packagename data, artist name data, genre name data, content ID data indicatingname of image file in which an image corresponding to a package isstored, and content ID data corresponding to more than one contentbelonging to a package. Information corresponding to an original packageadded by the user is added to the package display data 211.

FIG. 7B shows an example of the content display data 221. The contentdisplay data 221 includes content ID data, original package ID data foridentification of an original package to which a corresponding packagebelong, content name data, data on number of checkouts, and data forindicating name of image file in which an image corresponding to acontent is stored.

Further, the display data file 182 may be made to correspond to acontent ID and have data type and data recorded therein, as shown inFIG. 7C.

The My Select package has belonging thereto more than one content freelyselected by the user. The user can freely make an edition to have acontent belong to a My Select package. A content may belong to more thanone My Select package, and may not belong to any My Select package.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown an example of the relationbetween the My Select package display data 241 belonging to the displaydata file 182 and content files 161-1 to 161-N. The relation defines therelation between a My Select package and contents. The My Select packagedisplay data 241 includes package display data 251-1 to 251-S.

The package display data 251-1 is related with the content display data221-1-1, 221-2-2 or 221-1-i correspondingly to a setting made by theuser. The package display data 251-2 is related with the content displaydata 221-2-j, 221-3-1 or 221-1-2 correspondingly to a setting made bythe user. Similarly, the package display data 251-S is related with thecontent display data 221-2-2 or 221-1-i correspondingly to a settingmade by the user.

In the following, the package display data 251-1 to 251-S will bereferred to simply as “package display data 251” where it is notnecessary to identify them individually. Since the package display data251 has a similar composition to that of the package display data 221having been previously described with reference to FIG. 7A, so it willnot be described any further.

Thus, the user can have a desired content belong to a My Select package.One content belongs to a plurality of My Select packages as the case maybe.

The filtering package has belonging thereto a content selected based onfiltering data stored in the filtering data file 181. The filtering datais supplied from the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 or WWW server 5-1 or 5-2 viathe network 2, or as recorded in a predetermined CD. The user may editfiltering data stored in the filtering file 181.

The filtering data is a reference for selection of a predeterminedcontent or calculation of a weight corresponding to a content. Forexample, using the filtering data corresponding to the J-POP (Japanesepops) of the week, the personal computer 1 can identify ten contentsfrom the best to tenth-place ones of the week.

The filtering data file 181 includes for example filtering data forselection of contents in the descending order of the periods for whichthey have been checked out for the past one month, filtering data forselection of contents having been checked out frequently for the pasthalf year or filtering data for selection of contents including a letter“love” in their name.

Thus, a content in the filtering package is selected by relating thecontent display data 221 corresponding to the content (including dataset by the user in the content display data 221) or history data 184with a filtering data.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown an example of the relationbetween the filtering package display data 281 belonging to the displaydata file 182 and content files 161-1 to 161-N. The relation defines therelation between a My Select package and contents. The filtering packagedisplay data 281 includes package display data 291-1 to 291-A.

The package display data 291-1 is related with the content display data221-2-1, 221-1-2 or 221-M-p. The package display data 291-2 is relatedwith the content display data 221-1-i, 221-2-j and 221-2-2. Similarly,the package display data 291-A is related with the content display data221-1-i, 221-2-j and 221-2-2.

In the following, the package display data 291-1 to 291-A will bereferred to simply as “package display data 291” where it is notnecessary to identify them individually. Since the package display data291 has a similar composition to that of the package display data 221having been previously described with reference to FIG. 7A, so it willnot be described any further.

Thus, a predetermined content selected by the user operating thepersonal computer 1 belongs to the filtering package, and one contentbelongs to a plurality of filtering packages as the case may be.

Next, EMD registration will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Whenthe display/operation instruction program 112 is initially started withthe content management program 111 and display/operation instructionprogram 112 installed in the personal computer 1, it references to auniform resource locator (URL) and the like previously stored therein,and connects to the EMD registration server 3 via the network 2.

The EMD registration server 3 sends data for display of a screenintended for the registration to the display/operation instructionprogram 112. The display/operation instruction program 112 will displaya screen having an EMD registration button 311 disposed thereon on thedisplay unit 20 as shown in FIG. 11 for example.

When the EMD registration button 311 is clicked, the display/operationinstruction program 112 requests the EMD registration server 3 forsending an authenticate key 301 and EMD selection program 131 previouslyrecorded in the EMD registration server 3 along with a previously storedID for the content management program 111 and necessary data for theregistration (e.g., name of the user of the personal computer 1 andcredit No.).

When it is determined that the received ID for the content managementprogram 111 is valid, the EMD registration server 3 sends theauthenticate key 301 and EMD selection program 131 to thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 via the network 2.

On the contrary, when it is determined that the received ID for thecontent management program 111 is invalid, the EMD registration server 3will send a predetermined error message to the display/operationinstruction program 112 via the network 2. When the ID for the contentmanagement program 111 is not invalid, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 cannot acquire the authenticate key 301 and EMD selectionprogram 131.

Upon reception of the authenticate key 301 and EMD selection program 131from the EMD registration server 3, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will supply the authenticate key 301 and EMD selectionprogram 131 to the content management program 111.

When supplied with the authenticate key 301 and EMD selection program131 from the display/operation instruction program 112, the contentmanagement program 111 will install and start the EMD selection program131, and supply the authenticate key 301 to the authentication program138. The authentication program 138 stores therein the acquiredauthenticate key 301.

After started, the EMD selection program 131 will display, on thedisplay unit 20, a window having disposed therein buttons for startingthe connection with any of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 as shown in FIG.12 for example.

When an EXA-SOFT AUDIO button 331 for example is clicked, the contentmanagement program 111 starts a purchase application 151 and connectsthe purchase application 151 to the EMD server 4-1. At this time, theauthentication program 138 uses the authenticate key 301 to execute amutual authentication with the purchase application 151 and has thepurchase application 151 make a mutual authentication with the EMDserver 4-1.

When the purchase application 151 has successfully made the mutualauthentication with the EMD server 4-1, it will display, on the displayunit 20, a screen for purchase of a content as shown in FIG. 13 forexample.

When a SOLID AUDIO button 332 for example, shown in FIG. 12, is clicked,the content management program 111 will install the purchase driver 141being a plug-in program, and connect the purchase driver 141 to the EMDserver 4-2. At this time, the authentication program 138 uses theauthenticate key 301 to execute a mutual authentication with thepurchase driver 141 and has the purchase driver 141 make a mutualauthentication with the EMD server 4-2.

When the purchase driver 141 has succeeded in the mutual authenticationwith the EMD server 4-2, it will display, on the display unit 20, ascreen for purchase of a content as shown in FIG. 14 for example.

Similarly, when a DMD button 333 for example, shown in FIG. 12, isclicked, the content management program 111 will connect the purchasedriver 142 to the EMD server 4-3. At this time, the authenticationprogram 138 uses the authenticate key 301 to execute a mutualauthentication with the EMD server 4-3 via the purchase driver 142.

Note that when a check button 334 (DIRECT CHECKOUT) shown in FIG. 12 ischecked, a content received from any of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3(namely, the content is purchased) is stored into the content data base114 and checked out to any predetermined one of the portable devices 6-1to 6-3.

Next, reading of a content from a CD set in the drive 22 and recordingof the content will be described.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown an example of thedisplay/operation instruction window the display/operation instructionprogram 112 displays on the display unit 20 when it is started aftercompletion of the EMD registration.

The display/operation instruction window has disposed therein a button341 for starting the recording program 113, button 342 for starting theEMD selection program 131, button 343 for displaying a field in whichcheck-in or checkout is set, and a button 344 for displaying a field foredition of a My Select package, that is, the My Select package displaydata 241.

When a button 345 also disposed is selected, data corresponding to anoriginal package is displayed in a field 351. When a button 346 alsodisposed is selected, data corresponding to a My Select package isdisplayed in the field 351. When a button 347 also disposed is selected,data corresponding to a filtering package is displayed in the field 351.

Data displayed in the field 351 relates to a package, and it is forexample a package name or artist name.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the field 351, there are shown, for example, apackage name “FIRST” and artist name “A. TARO” stored in the packagedisplay data 221-1, a package name “SECOND” and artist name “A. TARO”stored in the package display data 221-2, etc.

In a field 352, there is shown data corresponding to contents belongingto packages selected in the field 351. Data displayed in this field 352include content name, play time or number of possible checkouts, etc.,for example.

In FIG. 15 for example, since a package corresponding to the packagedisplay data 221-2 is selected, there are displayed in the field 351 acontent name “MINAMI-NO-SAKABA” and number of possible checkouts “. . .”(indicating three checkouts) stored in the content display data 221-1corresponding to contents belonging to a package corresponding to thepackage display data 221-2, a content name “KITA-NO-HAKABA” and numberof possible checkouts “. .” (indicating two checkouts” stored in thecontent display data 221-2, etc.

Note that the number of possible checkouts may not only be indicatedwith a number of predetermined figures (e.g., star, moon or the like) asshown in FIG. 15 but also with a numeral or a note or notes (e.g., onesixteenth note for one checkout, two sixteenth notes or one eighth notefor two checkouts, three sixteenth notes or one dotted eighth note forthree checkouts, etc.).

Also the display/operation instruction window has disposed therein afield 348 in which an image or the like corresponding to a selectedpackage or content is displayed, and a button 349 for use to play back aselected content (output a sound corresponding to the content from thespeaker 24). To play back the selected content, the button 349 is to beclicked.

By selecting a predetermined content name displayed in the field 352 andmaking an erasing operation while data corresponding to the originalpackage are being displayed in the field 351 with the button 345activated, the display/operation instruction program 112 will have thecontent management program 111 erase a predetermined content stored inthe content data base 114 and corresponding to the selected contentname.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown, for explanation, a window therecording program 113 has the display unit 20 display when it is startedby clicking the button 341.

The recording program 113 reads a play time of a content from a CD setin the drive 22, and displays it in a field 383. Since the name of thecontent is unknown, the recording program 113 will display “UNKNOWN” ina part of the field 383 in which a content name is to be displayed.

Since both the title of the CD set in the drive 22 and artist name areunknown, the recording program 113 will display “UNKNOWN” in each of afield 381 in which a CD title is to be displayed and a field 382 inwhich an artist name is to be displayed.

The window displayed on the display unit 20 by the recording program 113has further disposed therein a button 384 which is to be clicked foracquisition of information from a CD, and a button 385 for settingwhether or not a content read from the CD should automatically bechecked out to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 when the readcontent is recorded into the content data base 114.

When the button 385 for example is clicked, the recording program 113will have the display unit 20 display a pulldown menu showing the listof portable devices 6-1 to 6-3. When the user selects any of theportable devices 6-1 to 6-3 from the pulldown menu, the personalcomputer 1 will automatically check out a content recorded from the CDfor any selected one of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3. When the userselects “NO CHECKOUT” from the pulldown menu, the personal computer 1will not check out any content recorded from the CD.

The window the recording program 113 has the display unit 20 display hasalso disposed therein a button 386 for instructing the start ofrecording of a content recorded in the CD.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown a property dialog box therecording program 113 has the display unit 20 display when CDinformation is to be acquired from either of the WWW servers 5-1 and 5-2and where it is set from which of the WWW servers 5-1 and 5-2 the CDinformation should be acquired.

The property dialog box has disposed therein a field 401 where it is setfrom which of the WWW servers 5-1 and 5-2 the CD information should beacquired. When “CDDB” for example is set in the field 401, the recordingprogram 113 will request the WWW server 5-1 for sending the CDinformation. When “CDNEW JAPAN” (for example, the name of a company orsite providing a similar service to that provided by the CDNEW(trademark)) is set in the field 401, the recording program 113 willrequest the WWW server 5-2 corresponding to CDDB for sending the CDinformation.

When “CDDB” is set in the field 401, fields 402 and 403 will be readyfor such a setting. URL at the first site of CDDB is to be set in thefield 402 while that at the second site of CDDB is to be set in thefield 403.

When the CD information is received from either of the WWW servers 5-1and 5-2, there will be set in a field 404 a directory in which thereceived information is to be recorded (any directory of the HDD 21).

When a button 405 also disposed in the property dialog box is clicked,the recording program 113 will access, via the network 2, apredetermined one of the WWW servers based on URL previously stored inthe recording program 113, acquire information on URL at the first siteof CDDB and URL at the second site of CDDB, and set the information onURL at the first site of CDDB as candidate information to be set in thefield 402 while setting the information on URL at the second site ofCDDB as candidate information to be set in the field 403, as shown inFIG. 18.

When the button 384 shown in FIG. 16 is clicked after the user sets“CDDB” in the field 401, URL at the first site of CDDB in the field 402and URL at the second site of CDDB in the field 403 as shown in FIG. 19,the recording program 113 will connect to the WWW server 5-1 based onURL set in the field 402 and URL set in the field 403, request the WWWserver 5-1 for CD information by following a procedure corresponding to“CDDB” set in the field 401, and receive the CD information from the WWWserver 5-1.

Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown a window the recording program113 has the display unit 20 display when it has received the CDinformation from the WWW server 5-1 with the button 384 clicked. Basedon the CD information received from the WWW server 5-1, the recordingprogram 113 will display a CD title such as “Asynchronized” for examplein the field 381, and also an artist name such as “KUWAI” for example inthe field 382.

Based on the CD information received from the WWW server 5-1, therecording program 113 will display content names such as “HEAT”,“PLANET”, “BLACK”, “SOUL”, etc. for example in a part of the field 383where a content name is to be displayed, and also an artist name such as“KUWAI” for example in a part of the field 383 where an artist name isto be displayed.

When having received more two pieces of CD information from the WWWserver 5-1, the recording program 113 will have the display unit 20display a dialog box as shown in FIG. 21 for selection by the user ofany of the CD information pieces.

FIG. 22 shows a dialog box the recording program 113 has the displayunit 20 display when the button 384 is clicked with “CDNEW JAPAN” set inthe field 401 and in which a search keyword is to be set.

As shown in FIG. 22, the dialog box has disposed therein buttons 431,432, 433 and 434. The button 431 is to be activated by clicking forsearching CD information taking an album name as a search keyword. Thesearch keyword for the album name is set in a field 441 also disposed inthe dialog box.

The button 432 is to be activated by clicking for searching CDinformation taking an artist name as a search keyword. The searchkeyword for the artist name is set in a field 442 also disposed in thedialog box.

The button 433 is to be activated by clicking for searching CDinformation taking a content name as a search keyword. The searchkeyword for the content name is set in a field 443 also disposed in thedialog box.

The button 434 is to be activated by clicking for searching CDinformation taking a product No. as a search keyword. The search keywordfor the product No. is set in a field 444 also disposed in the dialogbox.

For searching CD information, at least any one of the buttons 431 to 434is activated.

When searching CD information taking an artist name as a search keywordas shown in FIG. 23, the button 434 is activated and a string ofcharacters indicating the artist name such as “KUWAI” is set in thefield 442.

When the search button disposed in the dialog box to set a searchkeyword is clicked, the recording program 113 will connect to the WWWserver 5-2 based on a previously stored URL or the like, request the WWWserver 5-2 for CD information following a procedure corresponding to“CDNEW JAPAN” set in the field 401 and based on the search keyword setin the dialog box, and receive the CD information from the WWW server5-2.

The WWW server 5-2 sends the CD information along with data fordisplaying an image which prompts the user to purchase a CD related withthe searched CD information to the personal computer 1 as shown in FIG.24. The user of the personal computer 1 can purchase a predetermined CDvia the network 2 based on the data for displaying the image whichprompts the user to purchase the CD.

Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown, for explanation, a window therecording program 113 has the display unit 20 display when it hasreceived the CD information from the WWW server 5-2 after clicking thesearch button 384 disposed in the dialog box to set the search keyword.Based on the CD information received from the WWW server 5-2, therecording program 113 displays a CD title such as “Asynchronized” forexample in the field 381, and also an artist name such as “KUWAI” forexample in the field 382.

Based on the CD information received from the WWW server 5-2, therecording program 113 will display content names such as “HEAT”,“PLANET”, “BLACK”, “SOUL”, etc. for example in a part of the field 383where a content name is to be displayed, and also an artist name such as“KUWAI” for example in a part of the field 383 where an artist name isto be displayed.

After the recording program 113 receives a predetermined CD information,it will store the CD information into the directory in the HDD 21,designated in the field 404.

When instructed to acquire CD information by the user clicking thebutton 384 or the like, the recording program 113 will first search thedirectory in the HDD 21, designed in the field 404. When the CDinformation is stored in the directory in the HDD 21, designated in thefield 404, the recording program 113 will display a dialog box 461 shownin FIG. 26 to prompt the user to select whether the CD informationstored in the directory designated in the field 404 is to be used.

When the button 386 for instructing to start recording of any one of thecontents displayed in the window the recording program 113 has thedisplay unit 20 display is clicked, the recording program 113 will readthe content from a CD set in the drive 22 and supply the content readfrom the CD along with the CD information to the content managementprogram 111. The compression method conversion program 134 in thecontent management program 111 will compress the content supplied fromthe recording program 113 by a predetermined compression method, and theencryption program 135 will encrypt the compressed content. The usagerule conversion program 136 generates usage rule data corresponding tothe compressed and encrypted content.

The content management program 111 will thus supply the compressed andencrypted content along with the usage rule data to the content database 114.

The content data base 114 generates the content file 161 and usage rulefile 162 corresponding to a content received from the content managementprogram 111, and stores the content into the content file 161 and theusage rule data into the usage rule file 162.

When the content and usage rule data corresponding to the content arestored in the content data base 114, the content management program 111will supply the CD information and usage rule data received from therecording program 113 to the display/operation instruction program 112.

The display/operation instruction program 112 will generate the originalpackage display data 201 and content display data 221 based on the usagerule data and CD information corresponding to the content stored in thecontent data base 114 by the recording.

As shown in FIG. 27, when the button 345 is selected, the name of theoriginal package (CD title) corresponding to the content stored in thecontent data base 114 by the recording is displayed in the field 351 inthe display/operation instruction window. When the package is selected,a content name corresponding to the content read from the CD isdisplayed in the field 352.

When the content read from the CD is recorded in the content data base114 and the button 385 in the window the recording program 113 has thedisplay unit 20 display is selected (activated), the display/operationinstruction program 112 displays, in the display/operation instructionwindow, a field 481 in which the name of a content stored in apreviously designated one of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 is to bedisplayed, as shown in FIG. 28.

The display/operation instruction program 112 has the content managementprogram 111 check out the content read from the CD and recorded in thecontent data base 114 to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3,previously designated.

Thus, just with the button 385, in the window the recording program 113has the display unit 20 display, being kept activated, when the contentread from the CD is recorded into the content data base 114, thepersonal computer 1 can check out the content read from the CD to any ofthe portable devices 6-1 to 6-3, previously designated.

When the display/operation instruction program 112 has displayed thefield 481 in the display/operation instruction window, it also displays,in the display/operation instruction window, a field 482 in which thename of a portable package to which a content stored in any of theportable devices 6-1 to 6-3, previously designated belongs (namely, apackage to which a content stored in any of the portable devices 6-1 to6-3 belongs) is displayed, a button 483 to close the field 481, and abutton 484 to execute check-in or checkout.

Further, when the display/operation instruction program 112 hasdisplayed the field 481 in the display/operation instruction window, itdisplays, in the display/operation instruction window, also a button 491to set checkout of a content corresponding to content name selected inthe field 352, a button 492 to set check-in of a content correspondingto a content name selected in the field 481, a button 493 to setcheck-in of all contents corresponding to content names displayed in thefield 481, and a button 494 to cancel the setting of check-in orcheckout.

Next, setting of check-in or checkout and execution of the check-in orcheckout will be described below:

When the button 343 for displaying a filed in which check-in or checkoutis to be set is clicked, the display/operation instruction program 112displays, in the display/operation instruction window, the field 481 inwhich the name of a content stored in any of the portable devices 6-1 to6-3, previously designated is to be displayed.

For example, when content names “MINAMI-NO-SAKABA”, “KITA-NO-HAKABA” and“SHICHINARABE” displayed in the field 352 are selected as shown in FIG.29 and the button 491 is clicked, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 sets checkout of contents corresponding to the content names“MINAMI-NO-SAKABA”, “KITA-NO-HAKABA” and “SHICHINARABE”, respectively,and displays the content names “MINAMI-NO-SAKABA”, “KITA-NO-HAKABA” and“SHICHINARABE” in the field 481, as shown in FIG. 30.

At this time, the display/operation instruction program 112 changes anumber of possible checkouts “. . .” (indicating three checkouts) forthe content name “MINAMI-NO-SAKABA”, in the field 352, to “. .”(indicating two checkouts), a number of possible checkouts “. .” for thecontent name “KITA-NO-HAKABA”, also in the field 352, to “.” (indicatingone checkout), and a number of possible checkouts “. . .” for thecontent name “SHICHINARABE”, also in the field 352, to “. .”, anddisplays the changed numbers of possible checkouts in the field 352.

For example, when in the status shown in FIG. 30, the content name“KITA-NO-HAKABA” is selected in the field 481 and the button 492 isclicked, the display/operation instruction program 112 will set check-inof the content corresponding to the content name “KITA-NO-HAKABA” anderase this content name in the field 481 as shown in FIG. 31.

At this time, the display/operation instruction program 112 will changethe number of possible checkouts for the content name “KITA-NO-HAKABA”“.” (indicating one checkout) displayed in the field 352 to “. .”(indicating two checkouts), and display the changed number of possiblecheckouts. Also, by dragging and dropping a package name displayed inthe field 351 to the field 481, checkout of all contents belonging to apackage corresponding to the dragged and dropped package name is set.

With setting of check-in or checkout only by operating the buttons 491to 494, the personal computer 1 will not execute any check-in orcheckout.

When the button 484 is clicked after check-in or checkout is set byoperating the buttons 491 to 494, the display/operation instructionprogram will have the content management program 111 execute thecheck-in or checkout. That is, with the button 484 clicked, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 will have the contentmanagement program 111 send either a content to any of the portablebatteries 6-1 to 6-3 or a predetermined command corresponding tocheck-in (for example, a command for erasing a predetermined contentstored in any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3), based on the check-inor checkout setting, and erase usage rule data stored in the usage rulefile 162 corresponding to the sent content or command.

When check-in or checkout is done, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 updates a history data stored in the history data filecorrespondingly to the sent content or command. The history dataincludes information for identification of the checked-in or checked-outcontent or data at which the content has been checked in or out, and thename of any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 to which the content hasbeen checked out.

Since check-in or checkout can be set in a short time, the user canquickly know the status after execution of check-in or checkout. Thus,the number of check-in's or checkouts which takes time can be reduced toshorten the entire time necessary for check-in or checkout (includingthe time for setting and execution of check-in or checkout).

Next, edition of My Select package such as addition of a desired contentto a predetermined My Select package will be described.

As shown in FIG. 32, when the button 344 for displaying a field in whicha My Select package is edited is clicked, the display/operationinstruction program 112 displays, in the display/operation instructionwindow, a field 501 in which a content name corresponding to a contentbelonging to a predetermined My Select package is to be indicated.

At this time, the display/operation instruction program 112 displays, inthe display/operation instruction window, a field 502 in which the nameof a selected My Select package (stored in any of the package displaydata 251-1 to 251-S) is to be displayed. When the name of a My SelectPackage to be edited is set in the field 502, the display/operationinstruction program 112 displays, in the field 501, a content namecorresponding to the My Select package having the package name (storedin a content display data 221 related with any of the package displaydata 252-1 to 252-S).

Further, when the display/operation instruction program 112 displays thefield 501 in the display/operation instruction window, it will display,in the display/operation instruction window, a button 521 for anoperation to have a content corresponding to a content name selected inthe field 352 also belong to a My Select package whose name is displayedin the field 502 (to store a content ID of the selected content displaydata 221 into any of the package display data 251-1 to 251-S), a button522 for an operation to erase the content corresponding to the contentname selected in the field 501 from the My Select package whose name isdisplayed in the field 502 (to erase the content ID of the selectedcontent display data 221 from any of the package display data 251-1 to251-S), and a button 523 for an operation to cancel an precedingoperation (to have the content also belong to the My Select Package orerase the content from the My Select package).

For example, by displaying the field 501 in the display/operationinstruction window, the user can have, belong to the My Select packagewhose package name “My Best 1” is displayed in the field 502, a contentnamed “North Star”, content named “Shooting Star”, content named“South-Alps”, content named “Multimillionaire” and a content named “Slot1”.

That is to say, in response to a predetermined operation, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 stores into the packagedisplay data 251 in which the package name “My Best 1” is stored the IDsfor the content named “North Star”, content named “Shooting Star”,content named “South-Alps”, content “Multimillionaire”, and the contentnamed “Slot 1”, respectively.

Also, when the package name displayed in the field 351 is dragged anddropped to the field 501, all contents belonging to a packagecorresponding to the dragged and dropped package can be made to belongto the My Select package whose name is displayed in the field 502.

When the button 346 disposed in the display/operation instruction windowto display, in the field 351, data corresponding to a My Select packageis activated, the display/operation instruction program 112 willdisplay, in the field 351, package names corresponding to the My Selectpackage (e.g., “My Best 1”, “My Best 2”, “Snow Drive”,“MINAMI-NO-SHIMA-Select”, “Traveling Abroad”, etc.), and in the field352 names of contents belonging to a My Select package corresponding toa selected package name, as shown in FIG. 33.

When the name of a predetermined content displayed in the field 352 isselected and the erasing operation is made while data corresponding to aMy Select package has been displayed in the field 351 with the button346 activated, the display/operation instruction program 112 will eraseonly data of a content ID corresponding to a content belonging to thepackage included in the package display data 251 but not anypredetermined content stored in the content data base 114.

Next, display corresponding to a filtering package, and relating thefiltering package with a desired content will be described:

When the button 347 disposed in the display/operation instruction windowto display, in the field 351, data corresponding to a filtering packageis activated, the display/operation instruction program 112 displays, inthe field 351, package names corresponding to the filtering package(e.g., “Ten best pops”, “Ten Best rock ‘n’ roll's”, “Ten best ENKA's”,“Standard love songs”, “Recommendable '80 pops”, etc.), and, in thefield 352, names of contents belonging to the filtering packagecorresponding to the selected package name, as shown in FIG. 34.

Referring now to FIG. 35, there is explained the generation of afiltering package. The display/operation instruction program 112generates package display data 291-1 based on the content display data221-1-1 to 221-M-p stored in the display data file 182 and history datastored in the history data file 184 or any of them and filtering data551-1 stored in the filtering data filter 181.

The package display data 291-1 has stored therein ID for a contentbelonging to a filtering package corresponding to thereto.

For example, the package display data 291-1 stores IDs for predetermined10 contents (e.g., ones corresponding to ten best pops) designated withthe filtering data 551-1.

The display/operation instruction program 112 generates package displaydata 291-2 based on the content display data 221-1-1 to 221-M-p storedin the display data file 182 and history data stored in the history datafile 184 or any of them and filtering data 551-1-2 stored in thefiltering data filter 181.

The package display data 291-2 has stored therein ID for a contentbelonging to a filtering package corresponding to thereto.

For example, the package display data 291-2 stores IDs for contentswhose names contain a predetermined string of characters (e.g., names ofcontents including characters “love”) designated with the filtering data551-2.

Similarly, the display/operation instruction program 112 generatespackage display data 291-3 to 291-A. Each of the package display data291-3 to 291-A has stored therein ID for a content belonging to afiltering package corresponding thereto.

For example, the package display data 291-4 stores IDs for 10 contentsselected based on the history data stored in the history data file 184and which have been checked out most frequency for the last week.

Also the package display data 291-3, for example, stores IDs for 10contents selected at random and whose total of play times counts 60minutes.

In this way, the display/operation instruction program 112 generatespackage display data 291-2 based on the content display data 221-1-1 to221-M-p stored in the display data file 182 and history data stored inthe history data file 184 or any of them and filtering data 551-1-1 to551-1-A stored in the filter data file 181.

The filtering data 551-1 to 551-A are down-loaded from a predetermineserver via the network 2, or supplied as recorded in a predetermined CDfrom the drive 22. Also, the user himself can generate the filteringdata 551-1 to 551-A. For example, operating the personal computer 1 togenerate a new filtering package by downloading and updating thefiltering data 551-1 to 551-A from more than one server via the network2 at a predetermined time every day without modification of contentsrecorded in the content data base 114, the user can use the newgenerated filtering package for enjoying different combinations ofcontents.

Next, an image displayed in the field 348 will be described below. Asshown in FIG. 36, when a package name displayed in the field 351 isselected while a content name displayed in the field 352 has not beenselected (therefore, no content has not been played back), thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 displays, in the field 348, animage related with a package corresponding to the selected package name.That is, referring to data indicating the image file name stored in thepackage display data 211, 251 or 291, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 selects any one of the image files 183-1 to 183-K, readsimage data stored in the selected one of the image files 183-1 to 183-K,and displays, in the field 348, an image corresponding to the imagedata. For example, when the package name “Second” of the originalpackage is selected while the content name displayed in the field 352 isnot selected, the display/operation instruction program 112 refers todata indicating an image file name stored in the package display data211, reads image data stored in a predetermined one of the image files183-1 to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an image correspondingto the image data.

Also, when a predetermined image is dragged and dropped to the field 348with the package name displayed in the field 351 being selected and thecontent name displayed in the field 352 being not selected, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 makes the dragged and droppedimage correspond to a package corresponding to the selected packagename. That is, the display/operation instruction program 112 convertsthe coding method by which the dragged and dropped image has been codedto a predetermined method (e.g., JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)or the like), adjusts the size of the image (e.g., to 30 pixels by 30pixels or the like), subtracts the colors (e.g., 256 colors or thelike), records the image into the image file 183, and records the nameof the image file 183 in which the image has been recorded as dataindicating any image file name in the package display data 211, 251 or291 corresponding to the package name.

As shown in FIG. 37, when the content name displayed in the field 352 isselected while no content has been played back, the display/operationinstruction program 112 displays, in the field 348, an image relatedwith a content corresponding to the selected content name. That is tosay, the display/operation instruction program 112 refers to dataindicating an image file name stored in the content display data 221corresponding to the content corresponding to the selected content name,reads image data stored in a predetermined one of the image files 183-1to 183-K, and displays, in the filed 348, an image corresponding to theimage data. For example, when the package name “Second” of the originalpackage is selected and the content name “South-Alps” displayed in thefield 352 is selected while the content “South-Alps” has not been playedback, the display/operation instruction program 112 refers to acorresponding image file stored in the content display data 221corresponding to a content corresponding to the content name“South-Alps”, reads image data stored in a predetermine one of the imagefiles 183-1 to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an imagecorresponding to the image data.

At this time, when the button 345 is activated while data indicating animage file name is not set in the content display data 221 correspondingto a content corresponding to a selected content name, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 refers to data indicating animage file name stored in the content display data 221 to which thecontent belongs, reads image data stored in a predetermine one of theimage files 183-1 to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an imagecorresponding to the image data.

Similarly, when the button 346 is activated while no corresponding imagefile is set in the content display image 221 corresponding to a contentcorresponding to a selected content name, the display/operationinstruction program 112 refers to data indicating an image file namestored in the package display data 251 to which the content belongs,reads image data stored in a predetermine one of the image files 183-1to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an image corresponding to theimage data.

Similarly, when the button 347 is activated while no corresponding imagefile is set in the content display data 221 corresponding to a contentcorresponding to a selected content name, the display/operationinstruction program 112 refers to data indicating an image file namestored in the package display data 291 to which the content belongs,reads image data stored in a predetermine one of the image files 183-1to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an image corresponding to theimage data.

Also, when a predetermined image is dragged and dropped to the field 348while the content name displayed in the field 352 is selected, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 relates the dragged anddropped image with a content corresponding to the selected content name.Namely, the display/operation instruction program 112 converts thecoding method by which the dragged and dropped image has been coded to apredetermined one, adjusts the size of the image, subtracts the colors,records the image into the image file 183, and records the d name of therecorded image file 183 in which the image has been stored as dataindicating any image file name in the package display data 221corresponding to the content name.

As shown in FIG. 38, when a content corresponding to a content namedisplayed in the field 352 has been played back (when a sound has beenoutputted from the speaker 24), the display/operation instructionprogram 112 displays, in the field 348, an image indicating a signallevel in each frequency band (e.g., in each octave) of the output sound(that is a so-called image on a spectrum analyzer).

Also as shown in FIG. 39, when a content corresponding to a content namedisplayed in the field 352 has been played back according to a user'ssetting, the display/operation instruction program 112 displays, in thefield 348, an image indicating a signal level corresponding to the timelapse of the output sound during a predetermined period.

Also, when the display/operation instruction program 112 does notdisplay the fields 351 and 352 according to a user's setting, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 will display, in the field348, an image indicating a signal level in each frequency band of theoutput sound when a content has been played back, and an imagecorresponding to a selected package or content when no content has beenplayed back, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41.

Next, operations for a registration, effected when the display/operationinstruction program 112 is initially started with the content managementprogram 111 and display/operation instruction program 112 installed inthe personal computer 1, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 42:

At step S11, the display/operation instruction program 112 installed inthe personal computer 1 refers to predetermined URL and the like network2 and connects to the EMD registration server 3.

At step S12, the display/operation instruction program 112 sends, to theEMD registration server 3, the ID of the content management program 111,previously stored in the content management program 111, along withnecessary data for the registration (such as the name of a user of thepersonal computer 1 and credit No.). Note that at step S12, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 may send, to the EMDregistration server 3, the ID of the display/operation instructionprogram 112, previously stored in the display/operation instructionprogram 112, along with the necessary data for the registration.

At step S13, the EMD registration server 3 receives the contentmanagement program 111. At step S14, the EMD registration server 3judges whether the ID of the content management program 111 is valid.When the ID of the content management program 111 is determined to bevalid, the operation goes to step S15 where the EMD registration server3 will register the user of the personal computer 1 based on the name ofthe user and credit No., and sends a predetermined number ofauthenticate keys (for use for mutual authentication with the EMDservers 4-1 to 4-3, for example) to the personal computer 1.

At step S16, the display/operation instruction program 112 receives thepredetermined number of authenticate keys sent from the EMD registrationserver 3. At step S17, the EMD registration server 3 sends the EMDselection program 131 to the personal computer 1. At step S18, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 receives the EMD selectionprogram 131 sent from the EMD registration server 3.

At step S19, the display/operation instruction program 112 supplies thereceived EMD selection program 131 to the content management program111. At step S20, the content management program 111 starts the EMDselection program 131. Thus, the procedure for the registration iscomplete.

If at step S14, the ID of the content management program 111 isdetermined to be invalid, the operation goes to step S21 where the EMDregistration server 3 will send a predetermined error message to thepersonal computer 1 without effecting any registration. At step S22, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 receives the error messagesent from the EMD registration server 3.

At step S23, the display/operation instruction program 112 displays thereceived error message. Thus, the procedure for the registration iscomplete.

When the display/operation instruction program 112 is started, thepersonal computer 1 acquires the authenticate keys used for the mutualauthentication with the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 and the EMD selectionprogram 131, for example.

Next, recording from a CD according to the recording program 113 will bedescribed with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 43.

At step S41, the recording program 113 puts the drive 22 into action,reads data corresponding to a content recorded in the CD set in thedrive 22 (number of contents or play time), and displays a contents listrecorded in the CD in a predetermined window.

At step S42, the recording program 113 judges whether the button 348 foracquisition of information corresponding to the CD has been clicked.When it is determined that the button 384 has been clicked, theoperation goes to step S43 where the recording program 113 will acquirethe information corresponding to the CD. The acquisition of theinformation corresponding to the CD will further be described later withreference to the flow chart in FIG. 44.

At step S44, the recording program 113 displays, in a predeterminedwindow, the information corresponding to the CD, having been acquired bythe operation at step S43.

If at step S42, it is determined that the button 384 for acquisition ofinformation corresponding to a CD has been clicked, it is not necessaryto acquire the information corresponding to the CD, so the operationslips over steps S43 and S44 and goes to step S45.

At step S45, the recording program 113 judges whether the button 386 forinstruction to start recording of a content recorded in the CD has beenclicked. If it is determined that the button 386 has not been clicked,the operation goes back to step S45 where it will be repeatedly judgedwhether the button 386 has been clicked, until it is determined that thebutton 386 has been clicked.

When it is determined, at step S45, that the button 386 has beenclicked, the operation goes to step S46 where the recording program 113will acquire, based on a check set correspondingly to a content name inthe field 383, content selection information indicating which ofcontents recorded in the CD is to be recorded. At step S47, therecording program 113 reads a selected content from the CD based on thecontent selection information.

At step S48, the recording program 113 has the compression methodconversion program 134 in the content management program 111 compressthe content read from the CD by a predetermined conversion method suchas ATRAC3, for example. At step S49, the recording program 113 has theencryption method conversion program 135 in the content managementprogram 111 encrypt the compressed content by a predetermined encryptionmethod such as DES, for example.

At step S50, the recording program 113 has the content data base 114store the compressed and encrypted content. At step S51, the recordingprogram 113 generates usage rule data corresponding to the contentstored in the content data base 114, and has the content data base 114store the generated usage rule data into the usage rule file 162(related with the content stored in the content data base 114). At stepS52, the recording program 113 updates the display data file 182 basedon the generated usage rule data or information corresponding to the CD.

At step S53, the recording program 113 judges whether the button 385 forsetting checkout, or no checkout, of the content read from the CD to anyof the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3 (automatic checkout) is activated.When it is determined that the button 385 is active, the operation goesto step S54 where the display/operation instruction program 112 isstarted.

At step S55, the recording program 113 has the display/operationinstruction program 112 check out the content stored in the content database 114 to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3. Thus, the procedureis complete.

If it is determined, at step S53, that the button 385 is not active, itis not necessary to check out the content, the operation is completewith a skip over steps S54 and S55.

When the recording from the CD is effected with the button 385 beingactive, the personal computer 1 will store the content read from the CDinto the content data base 114 and automatically check it out to any ofthe portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

Similarly, when the display/operation instruction program 112 receives acontent from any of the EMD servers 4-1 to 4-3 while check is made withthe check button 334, it will store the received content into thecontent data base 114 and have the content management program 111 checkout the content to any of the portable devices 6-1 to 6-3.

Next, acquisition of information corresponding to a CD, effected underthe recording program 113 and at step S43 in FIG. 43, will be describedwith reference to the flow chart in FIG. 44:

At step S71, the recording program 113 searches information recorded ina predetermined directory (e.g., directory in the HDD 21, designated inthe field 404 in the dialog box 461).

At step S72, the recording program 113 judges, based on datacorresponding to a content recorded in a CD set in the drive 22 (e.g.,number of contents or play time), whether information corresponding tothe CD is recorded in the predetermined directory. If it is determinedthat the information corresponding to the CD is not recorded in thepredetermined directory, the operation goes to step S73 where it isjudged, based on a character string set in the field 401, whether CDNEWhas been selected.

When it is determined, at step S73, that CDNEW has been selected, theoperation goes to step S74 where the recording program 113 will connectto a server corresponding to CDNEW (e.g., WWW server 5-2) via thenetwork 2. At step S75, the recording program 113 has the display unit20 display a screen for input of a search keyword (e.g., dialog boxshown in FIG. 22). At step S76, the recording program 113 sends, to aserver corresponding to CDNEW, a search keyword inputted based on thescreen such as album name, artist name, content name, product No. or thelike.

At step S77, the recording program 113 receives informationcorresponding to the CD from a server corresponding to CDNEW.

At step S78, the recording program 113 relates the informationcorresponding to the CD with the content, and terminates the procedure.

If it is determined, at step S73, that CDNEW has not been selected, theoperation goes to step S79 since CDDB has been selected. At step S79,the recording program 113 will connect to a server corresponding to CDDB(e.g., WWW server 5-1) via the network 2 based on URL of the first siteof CDDB set in the field 402 and URL of the second site of CDDB set inthe field 403. At step S80, the recording program 113 sends, to a servercorresponding to CDDB, data corresponding to a play time of a contentrecorded in the CD.

At step S81, the recording program 113 receives informationcorresponding to the CD from the server corresponding to CDDB.

At step S82, the recording program 113 judges whether data correspondingto the CD, received from the server corresponding to CDDB, include morethan two candidates. When it is determined that there are available morethan two candidates, the operation goes to step S83 where a dialog boxwill be displayed for allowing the user to select use or no use ofinformation corresponding to any CD.

At step S84, the recording program 113 selects any one of the candidatesbased on an input to the dialog box, and the operation goes to step S78where the recording program 113 will relate information corresponding tothe CD with the content. Thus the procedure is complete.

If it is determined, at step S82, that there are not available more thantwo candidates, the operation goes to step S78 where the recordingprogram 113 will relate the information corresponding to the CD, havingbeen received from the server corresponding to CDDB, and thus theprocedure is complete.

When it is determined, at step S72, that the information correspondingto the CD is recorded in the predetermined directory, the operation goesto step S85 where the recording program 113 will read the recordedinformation corresponding to the CD, and goes to step S78 where it willrelate the read information corresponding to the CD with the content,and thus the procedure is complete.

As in the above, the recording program 113 acquires informationcorresponding to the CD from any of two or more servers different insearching procedure from each other. Also, when informationcorresponding to the CD has been acquired and recorded, the recordingprogram 113 will use the recorded information.

Next, generation of a filter package, performed by the display/operationinstruction program 112 when the button 437 is clicked, will bedescribed with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 45. At step S101, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 selects a first filtering data551, for example, the filtering data 551-1, stored in the filtering datafile 181.

At step S102, the display/operation instruction program 112 computes aweight for the content based on data stored in the display data file 182and history data stored in the history data file 184 or any of them andthe selected filtering data 551.

At step S103, the display/operation instruction program 112 selects acontent belonging to a filtering package corresponding to the selectedfiltering data 551 based on the weight for the content, computed at stepS102.

At step S104, the display/operation instruction program 112 registersthe content having been selected at step S103 into a filtering packagecorresponding to the selected filtering data 551. That is to say, thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 stores an ID for the selectedcontent into the package display data 291 corresponding to the filteringpackage corresponding to the selected filtering data 551.

At step S105, the display/operation instruction program 112 judgeswhether the content has been registered in the filtering packagecorresponding to all the filter data 551 stored in the filtering datafile 181. If it is determined that the content has not been registeredin the filtering package corresponding to all the filtering data 551,the operation goes to step S107 where a next filtering data 551 storedin the filtering data file 181 is selected, and then goes back to stepS102 where the content registration will be repeated.

If at step S105 it is determined that the content has been registered inthe filtering package corresponding to all the filtering data 551, theprocedure is complete.

As in the above, the display/operation instruction program 112 willselect a content based on data stored in the display data file 182 andhistory data stored in the history data file 184 or any of them and theselected filtering data 551, and register the selected content into thefiltering package.

Next, content checkout or check-in effected by the display/operationinstruction program 112 and content management program 111 when thefield 481 is displayed in the display/operation instruction window, forexample, will be described with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 46:

At step S121, the display/operation instruction program 112 reads anumber of possible checkouts corresponding to the content from thedisplay data file 182. At step S122, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 displays the number of possible checkouts having been readat step S121.

At step S123, the display/operation instruction program 112 judgeswhether the checkout setting button 491 or check-in setting button 492has been clicked. When it is determined that the button 491 or 492 hasbeen clicked, the operation goes to step S124 where checkout of acontent corresponding to a content name selected in the field 352 orcheck-in of a content corresponding to a content name selected in thefield 481 will be set.

At step S125, the display/operation instruction program 112 updates thenumber of possible checkouts in the content display data 221 in thedisplay data file 182 correspondingly to the setting of checkout of thecontent corresponding to the content name selected in the field 352 orto the setting of check-in of the content corresponding to the contentname selected in the field 481, having been effected at step S124, andreturns to step S121 where the same procedure will be repeated.

If it is determined, at step S123, that neither the checkout settingbutton 491 nor check-in setting button 492 has been clicked, theoperation goes to step S126 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will judge whether the button 484 for effecting the check-inor checkout has been clicked.

When it is determined at step S126 that the button 484 has been clicked,the operation goes to step S127 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will have the check-in/checkout management program 132 inthe content management program 111 effect the checkout or check-incorrespondingly to the setting of content checkout or check-in. Thecheck-in/checkout management program 132 judges, based on the usage ruledata stored in the usage rule file 162, whether each content can bechecked out or in. When the program 132 determines that such a contentcheckout or check-in is possible, it will effect it.

When it is determined that the checkout or check-in is not possible, thecheck-in/checkout management program 132 will not effect it.

At step S128, the display/operation instruction program 112 has thecheck-in/checkout management program 132 in the content managementprogram 111 update the number of possible checkouts for the usage ruledata stored in the usage rule file 162 in the content data base 114(corresponding to a checked-out or checked-in content) correspondinglyto the execution of the content checkout or check-in.

At step S129, the display/operation instruction program 112 has thecheck-in/checkout management program 132 reads the number of possiblecheckouts from the usage rule data stored in the usage rule file 162,corresponding to the checked-out or checked-in content.

At step S130, the display/operation instruction program 112 updates thenumber of possible checkouts stored in the history data file 184, andupdates the content display data 221 in the display data file 182 basedon the number of possible checkouts having been read at step S129. Thenit goes back to step S121 where the same procedure will be repeated.

When it is determined, at step S126, that the button 484 has not beenclicked, no checkout or check-in will be done. So the operation goesback to step S121 where the same procedure will be repeated.

As in the above, the display/operation instruction program 112 willchange the display correspondingly to the setting of checkout orcheck-in, and have the content management program 111 execute checkoutor check-in based on the setting of checkout or check-in.

Next, image paste, effected by the display/operation instruction program112 when a predetermined image has been dragged and dropped to the field348, will be described with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 47. Atstep S151, the display/operation instruction program 112 judges whethera package has been selected. When it is determined that a package hasbeen selected, the operation goes to step S152 where the dragged anddropped image will be changed to a predetermined size, and subjected toa coding method conversion and color subtraction.

At step S153, the display/operation instruction program 112 stores theimage subject to the coding method conversion and color subtraction atstep S152 into the image file 183.

At step S154, the display/operation instruction program 112 judgeswhether a content has been selected. When it is determined that nocontent has been selected, the operation goes to step S155 where theimage file 183 and selected package will be related with each other(that is, the name of the image file 183 in which the content isrecorded is recorded as data indicating an image file name in any of thepackage display data 211, 251 or 291 corresponding to the selectedpackage), and thus the procedure is complete.

If it is determined, at step S154, that a content has been selected, theoperation goes to step S156 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will relate the image file 183 with the selected content(that is, the name of the image file 183 in which the content isrecorded is recorded as data indicating an image file name in thecontent display data 221 corresponding to the selected content), andthus the procedure is complete.

If it is determined, at step S151, that no package has been selected,there is no object with which the image is related, so the operationgoes to step S157 where the display/operation instruction program 112will display a predetermined error message and thus the procedure becomplete.

As in the above, the display/operation instruction program 112 can pastethe dragged and dropped image on a package or content (image and packageor content are related with each other).

Next, image display effected by the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will be described with reference to the flow chart in FIG.48.

At step S181, the display/operation instruction program 112 judgeswhether a content has been played back. If it is determined that nocontent has been played back, the operation goes to step S182 where itwill be judged whether a package has been selected.

If it is determined, at step S182, that no package has been selected,the operation goes to step S183 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will display, in the field 348, a predetermined image (e.g.,an image showing the supplier of the display/operation instructionprogram 112) and the operation will go back to step S181 where the sameprocedure will be repeated.

When it is determined, at step S182, that a package has been selected,the operation goes to step S184 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will judge whether a content has been selected.

If it is determined, at step S184, that no content has been selected,the operation goes to step S185 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will display, in the field 348, an image related with theselected package (the display/operation instruction program 112 refersto data indicating an image file name stored in the package display data211, reads image data stored in a predetermined one of the image files183-1 to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an image correspondingto the image data), and go back to step S181 where it will repeat thesame procedure.

If it is determined, at step S184, that a content has been selected, theoperation goes to step S186 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will judge whether there is available an image related withthe selected content.

If it is determined, at step S186, that there is an image related withthe selected content, the operation goes to step S187 where thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 will display, in the field348, the image related with the selected content (the display/operationinstruction program 112 refers to data indicating an image file namestored in the content display data 221 corresponding to the selectedcontent, reads image data stored in a predetermined one of the imagefiles 183-1 to 183-K, and displays, in the field 348, an imagecorresponding to the image data), and go back to step S181 where it willrepeat the same procedure.

If it is determined, at step S186, that there is no image related withthe selected content, the operation goes to step S188 where thedisplay/operation instruction program 112 will display, in the field348, an image related with the selected content. Then the operation goesback to step S181 where the same procedure will be repeated.

If it is determined, at step S181, that a content has been played back,the operation goes to step S189 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will judge whether display of a signal level of a soundcorresponding to each frequency band has been set. If it is determinedthat the display has been set, the operation goes to step S190 where thesignal level of a sound corresponding to each frequency band will bedisplayed in the field 348. The operation goes back to step S181 wherethe same procedure will be repeated.

If it is determined, at step S189, that display of a signal level of asound corresponding to each frequency band has not been set, theoperation goes to step S191 where the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will display, in the field 348, a waveform of an outputsound (signal level corresponding to a time lapse of the output sound),and go back to step S181 where it will repeat the same procedure.

As in the above, correspondingly to the selection of a package orcontent or the playback of a content, the display/operation instructionprogram 112 will display, in the field 348, any of an image related withthe package, image related with the content, signal level of a soundcorresponding to each frequency band and a waveform of the output sound.

Note that according to a setting made by the user, the display/operationinstruction program 112 may display, in the field 348, an imageindicating the level of a sound currently being outputted when a contenthas been played back.

Also, it should be noted that although it has previously been describedthat the content compression method adopted by the personal computer 1is ATRAC3 by way of example, the method is not limited to ATRAC3 but maybe any of MP3 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2 Audio Layer 3), TwinQV(trademark), AAC (MPEG2 Advance Audio Coding), etc.

Note that although it has previously been described that the contentencryption method adopted by the personal computer 1 is DES for example,the method is not limited to DES but may be any of IDEA (InternationalData Encryption Algorithm), RAS which is a public key encryption method,elliptical encryption, etc.

Also, the content management program 111 may be executed on a hardwareprovided independently inside the personal computer 1 and which cannotread directly the content management program 111, for example. Also, thehardware to execute the content management program 111 may be designedto have a tamping resistance.

The aforementioned series of operations may be executable by a hardware,but it may be executable by a software. In case the series of operationsis to be executed by a software, programs composing the software isinstalled, from a program storage medium, into a computer incorporatedin a dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer, forexample, whose various functions can be performed with a variety ofprograms installed therein.

The program storage medium to store programs installed in a computer andexecutable by the computer may be formed from the magnetic disc 41 or 91(including floppy disc), optical disc 42 or 92 (including CD-ROM(compact disc read-only memory), DVD (digital versatile disc)),magneto-optical disc 43 or 93 (including MD (mini disc)), package mediumsuch as semiconductor memory 44 or 94, ROM 12 or 62 in which theprograms will be stored provisionally or permanently, or HDD 21 or 71,as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The programs are stored into the programstorage medium via an interface such as communications unit 25 or 73using a cable or radio communications medium such as network 2 includinga local area network or Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

Note that the steps of operation concerning a program stored in theprogram storage medium, described herein, include operations which areeffected time-serially in the described sequence as well as operationsnot effected time-serially but in parallel or individually.

Also note that the “system” referred to herein covers an entire assemblyof a plurality of apparatuses.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, a weight is computed for eachcontent based on either first information indicative of a history ofcontent usage or second information about the contents, and thirdinformation intended for computation of a weight corresponding to acontent, a content is selected based on the computed weight, and aselected content is related with a combination of contents correspondingto the third information. Therefore, it is possible to easily combinemany contents to provide various content combinations.

1. (canceled)
 2. An information processor comprising: circuitryconfigured to record content-identifying information to identify contentinformation for playing content, manage the content-identifyinginformation and the content information; set criteria data for selectingpredetermined content information and store the criteria data, selectcontent information using the criteria data and history data of thecontent information, the content information being selected from thecontent information recorded, and register the content identified bypackage-identifying information corresponding to the criteria data,wherein the history data indicates a time at which the informationprocessor created the content information and a time at which thecontent information has been accessed.
 3. The information processoraccording to claim 2, wherein the circuitry is further configured tomake a first region of a display device display more than onepackage-identifying information of packages registered.
 4. Theinformation processor according to claim 3, wherein the circuitry isfurther configured to, simultaneously with display of the more than onepackage-identifying information in the first region, make a secondregion of the display device display the content-identifying informationcorresponding to a package-identifying information selected on the firstregion.
 5. The information processor according to claim 4, wherein thefirst region and the second region do not overlap.
 6. The informationprocessor according to claim 2, wherein the circuitry is furtherconfigured to cause the display device to display a button that, uponactivation, causes selection of the content information based on thecriteria data and the history information.
 7. The information processoraccording to claim 2, wherein in the history data the time at which thecontent information has been accessed is stored as a time stamp.
 8. Aninformation processing method, comprising: recording, with circuitry,content-identifying information to identify content information forplaying content; managing, with the circuitry, the content-identifyinginformation and the content information; setting, with the circuitry,criteria data for selecting predetermined content information and storethe criteria data; selecting, with the circuitry, content informationusing the criteria data and history data of the content information, thecontent information being selected from the content informationrecorded; and registering, with the circuitry, the content identified bypackage-identifying information corresponding to the criteria data,wherein the history data indicates a time at which the informationprocessor created the content information and a time at which thecontent information has been accessed.
 9. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium encoded with computer-readable instructionsthereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to performa method, comprising: recording content-identifying information toidentify content information for playing content; managing thecontent-identifying information and the content information; settingcriteria data for selecting predetermined content information and storethe criteria data; selecting content information using the criteria dataand history data of the content information, the content informationbeing selected from the content information recorded; and registeringthe content identified by package-identifying information correspondingto the criteria data, wherein the history data indicates a time at whichthe information processor created the content information and a time atwhich the content information has been accessed.